Government proposes tougher terrorist legislation

In a proposal referred to the Council on Legislation for consideration, the Government proposes that it should be made a punishable offence to participate in the activities of a terrorist organisation. It also proposes making it a punishable offence to collaborate with a terrorist organisation, for example by selling weapons, vehicles or other similar equipment to such an organisation.

“Sweden has comprehensive criminalisation in the area of terrorism, but it is not actually a punishable offence to participate in the activities of a terrorist organisation such as Daesh. With this proposal, it will be,” says Minister for Justice and Migration Morgan Johansson.

Combating terrorism is a top priority for the Government, and a number of amendments to tighten legislation have been introduced in recent years. To further improve opportunities to prevent and combat terrorism, the Government proposes making it a punishable offence to participate in the activities of a terrorist organisation. The legislative proposal contains two new offences: participation in a terrorist organisation and collaboration with a terrorist organisation. In addition, it is proposed to make public provocation to commit a terrorist act and recruitment for terrorism punishable offences, as well as travel abroad for the purpose of participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation. Financing such participation will also be criminalised.

It is proposed that the legislative amendments enter into force on 1 August 2019.